Benediction of values; Lecture demonstration by Sikkil C Gurucharan

What is unique about Shri Sikkil Gurucharan, Carnatic Vocal artiste? Well, there are many that are tangible but there are also some rare intangible facets of this Vidwan. The former are he has a pedigree as descendant of famous Sikkil Sisters , his erudition in academics as well as music, his fame as Fulbright Scholar, his recognition by 'India Today' as one of the all time 'thirty five achievers' in India under the age of 35 and the list goes on. The intangible is his commitment to a cause, passionate patronage for SPIC MACAY and his sublime ability to connect with students of schools, colleges, educational institutions all over India and abroad including UC Davis, California.

Sikkil Gurucharan was on a concert visit to Delhi and graciously agreed to do a SPIC MACAY programme in the forenoon. Being a Saturday, it was a challenge to get a host but thanks to the efforts of Shri Vaidyanathan a last minute arrangement was made to do SPIC MACAY programme at DTEA Laxmibai Nagar School, INA at 11 am today.

The school which is many decades old and well established all over Delhi, was hosting SPIC MACAY programme for the first time. Shri Gurucharan showed magnanimity by coming straight from the airport to the school and performed with gusto for nearly two hours.

The prog started with prayers to God Ganesh by Sridhar, a student. Gurucharan was captivated and called the boy near him and asked about him. With stars in eyes the boy answered and Gurucharan appreciated his music skills and told the boy - yes indeed he did- to stay in touch with him and seek any help for pursuing music.

After a very brief intro by Principal, Charan introduced his co-artists Shri Sanjeev (Violin) and Shri Varadarajan (Mridangam). Graciously Charan talked about SPIC MACAY and his association. In fact, this being the very first prog of SPIC MACAY in that school, the impact was significant.

Repertoire:

Gurucharan chose Rag Kedar to begin his singing and explained beautifully that in this raga in Aarohan ( ascent) only six notes are used but in Avarohan( descent) all the seven notes are used. He sang the notes and asked the students to identify the missing note out of seven notes in ascent. There was a roaring chorus of correct answer.

Buy Shri Sikkil Gurucharan's Tribute to Shri Muthuswami Dixithar mp3 audio>>

He did an alap of Kedar which the students listened with eyes closed. He chose a Tamil song 'Sakala Kala Vaniye' composed by Sudhananda Bharati and said the most powerful words of the lyrics 'Desa Nalam Puriyum'. He asked a student to translate these words and the girl cheerfully translated “bless my country". Sikkil said the main motto of all education is to respect our Nation and serve with patriotic fervor.

Gurucharan then sang a beautiful song on Mahatma Gandhi in rag Mayamalavagowla with words 'Vaiyagam Varano' a song immortalised by D.K. Pattammal Amma and it was followed by thaniavarthanam (solo) on Mridangam by Vidwan Varadarajan. Varadarajan Ji mesmerised the audience by not only playing the mridangam but also narrating the bhol. This was followed by Surdas Bajan 'Maia Mori main nahi makhan khayo' in the rag Bimplas. Gurucharan concluded with Bharatiyar song Manathil Uruthi Vendum which is a benediction of values in life that the students should grow with.

Written by
Sri C.S. Pancham Author is an Art Critic and frequently writes reviews in leading national news papers.

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